Aaron Crowder 
I’m going to #defcon for the first time this year. I’m very excited to finally make this dream a reality, but I’m curious: what tips do y’all have for me as a first timer?
Dubiago 💫@CrowderSoup Bring a burner phone with a burner number.
kay barkbark@dubiago @CrowderSoup lmao what
Neon 🌐🩵🦾@dubiago @CrowderSoup lmao no one is burning a zero day at defcon, you sell that shit to foreign governments. A reason to bring a burner would be if you wanna plug your phone into all the new shit or scan all the QR codes and other malicious links you can find
@neonplaidpants @CrowderSoup LMAO as long as there's wireless active, there are ways and means. Nice try.
Amber@CrowderSoup here's some great advice from @deviantollam
Deviant's DEF CON Advice
@Saren42 @deviantollam I actually just finished watching this one!
Andrew 🌻 Brandt 🐇@CrowderSoup the heat, when you walk out of those doors from air conditioning, is like a blast furnace exhaust blowing in your face. Hydrate often and carry a large, refillable, insulated bottle.
Cenobyte 
@CrowderSoup For sure hit the Defcon 101 panel. Plan what you’re going to see in person, but allow for changes. You won’t see everything you want. it’s too much. Most of the talks will be on youtube later. Pick the ones you want to see the most. Remember 3 hours sleep 2 meals per day and 1 shower per day
@CrowderSoup Also have fun, meet people etc.
egyp7@CrowderSoup Never leave a conversation you know is good to see a talk that might be.
@CrowderSoup Don't let the imposter syndrome set in. None of us know what we are doing, even if it looks that way. Talk to lots of people and see lots of things. There's way more than just talks. Don't be afraid to pull out your laptop and try a challenge that someone has set up.
Gearlicious@CrowderSoup there's the 3-2-1 rule :P
Try to dabble in a little bit of everything if you can (and lean towards things that pique your interest), though don't try to over stress if you don't make it to certain talks. Villages and face to face interactions are really more worthwhile especially since most talks will be recorded, so make the best out if that.
@CrowderSoup
Probably too late to join a workshop you’re interested in but keep that in mind for next year. Other things besides villages and talks I like to attend are defcon parties (check the twitter and I think they made a mastodon account too), Gothcon, Queercon, dcsticker swap, wearable tech fashion show, movie night, black and white ball. Certain villages will have their own social events too. People will also party at Area 15. After a long day of learning, I like to party
Probably too late to join a workshop you’re interested in but keep that in mind for next year. Other things besides villages and talks I like to attend are defcon parties (check the twitter and I think they made a mastodon account too), Gothcon, Queercon, dcsticker swap, wearable tech fashion show, movie night, black and white ball. Certain villages will have their own social events too. People will also party at Area 15. After a long day of learning, I like to party
Malcolm Heath@CrowderSoup Other than the @deviantollam video mentioned above which I think is really good advice...Defcon is HUGE, and can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. The good news is that if you are somewhere, or with some people, or doing something, and you're not having a good time, there's literally no reason not to stop doing that and find something more fun to do. Don't get stuck anywhere. You will hopefully find something awesome that you really enjoy, and if and when you do, stick with that (as long as it continues to be fun) and don't worry about what else you might be missing. There's too much for one person to see anyway.
Be kind to yourself, take breaks/naps/decompression time.
Be kind to yourself, take breaks/naps/decompression time.
NetSec Kahn 
@CrowderSoup check out villages day 1.
Day 2 - wake up at 4am and get in line for skytalks.
Day 3 - hang out at social engineering village and learn all you can.
Day 2 - wake up at 4am and get in line for skytalks.
Day 3 - hang out at social engineering village and learn all you can.
PadreSJ1. Hydrate (anything that isn't water doesn't count)
2. You can't do EVERYTHING. Pick 5 things a day.
3. The villages and tbe Chill Out space are key to a good experience.
4. Hydrate
5. Buy a goon a beer or a burger
6. Comfy shoes are your friend
7. Hydrate
8. Don't step on any furry tails
9. Bring a soldering kit
10. Bring a small soft-sided cooler filed w/food (B/c food inside is CRAZY expensive)
11. Hydrate
12. If it floods, do NOT swim in the river
13. Make a friend
Archmage
Deviant's DEF CON Advice
(So many thanks and shouts out to Renderman, my most long-time friend and brother in the hacker community, who sent me the t-shirt you see here. It's from a...